Page 117 of Faultlines

Before I can argue, a tall man in a navy sport coat approaches from behind her. He extends his hand, and Grace’s face brightens. “Daniel. I’m glad you could make it.”

I recognize him right away: Daniel Mercer.

“That was incredible, Claire. Truly,” he says, directing his gaze toward me.

“They earned every bit of it,” I reply.

Grace smiles, a genuine warmth in her eyes. “We certainly appreciate your support.”

“What I appreciate is seeing a certain kind of confidence awaken in them. We obsess over academics and test scores, but watching a shy kid walk onto a stage and own it... that’s wonderful to witness.”

Grace nods at him as he continues.

I listen a little longer before my attention drifts across the room. Excusing myself, I turn—and that’s when I see Ethan.

He stands near the stage, red and white roses clutched in his hands. I watch as his weary eyes scan the thinning crowd, finally landing on Ellie. She’s laughing with her friends when she notices him. I observe them staring at each other across the room. Part of me wonders if she’ll turn away.

He doesn’t move toward her.

Eventually, she excuses herself and walks toward him. I watch them meet. Ethan holds out the bouquet. “You were incredible tonight, Ellie-bean.”

She doesn’t move. Then, carefully, she accepts them with a small smile, and relief flashes across his face. She glances down at the bouquet, gently brushing her fingers across the petals. “They’re pretty,” she says. Two simple words, yet something in Ethan’s posture loosens.

“I thought they matched the Queen of Hearts,” he tells her.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

FRAGMENTS

Ellie

For one blinding instant, caught in the camera’s flash, we look like every other family. Then the light fades and so does the illusion.

Mom is the first to step away.

Dad follows.

Lucy is already organizing another picture, her voice loud and oblivious. Grandpa tells me I’m the best Queen of Hearts he’s ever seen, even though I know for a fact he’s never seen another in his life. Sloane insists she deserves backstage passes when I become famous.

Everyone laughs. And that’s when I see her.

She’s standing near the back doors of the auditorium, far enough away that most people wouldn’t notice, but close enough that I don’t miss her.

Brooke.

Since her sudden departure from rehearsals, something has felt... off.

She’s dressed casually, almost deliberately forgettable. Half-hidden behind a cluster of parents, watching instead of celebrating. She isn’t congratulating cast members. She isn’t talking to anyone.

She’s just... watching.

I remember the day she disappeared. The awkward explanations. Mrs. Miller stumbling over her words.

A strange knot forms in my stomach.

Then Sloane notices her. The smile disappears from her face so quickly it’s like someone flipped a switch. Her entire body stiffens. She watches Brooke for several seconds before quietly handing Lucy her phone.

“I’m going to the restroom.”